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sarahalineschiffling
Reviews
The Burying Party (2018)
Perfectly captures "the pity of war"
This film is a very fitting tribute not just to Wilfred Owen, but to his many contemporaries who have received less attention. This could have so easily become too poetic and too sentimental, but it always remains human and real. The casting is fantastic and Owen's often complex poetry, as well as his language in personal letters, is seamlessly integrated and never feels out of place. Fantastic to see lesser-known poems become a part of this, as the title indicates.
The film charts the development of Owen's distinct poetic voice, forged through family, religion, friendship, love, and his war experience. Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments that make you chuckle, like Owen's awkwardness the first time he encounters his idol Siegfried Sassoon. The development of their relationship is simply beautiful and it is very painful to see the war get in its way before they can as much as kiss.
I've had the great privilege of seeing this twice now and each time it sparked fascinating discussions. I look forward to seeing it again and hopefully spotting even more wonderful little details. The attention to detail and the many layers in this production are incredible.